Senior Systems Software Engineer (Quantum Key Distribution)

Location: Germany, hybrid; Munich office presence required several times per week

Company

hirify.global develops quantum technologies and quantum-as-a-service solutions, including quantum-enabled security systems and hybrid quantum computing platforms.

What you will do

• Lead and co-own the software architecture for Quantum Key Distribution systems, including control-plane services, postprocessing integration, configuration management, monitoring, and external interfaces.
• Design and implement high-performance asynchronous Python services on Linux using asyncio, WebSockets, and NumPy.
• Optimize QKD sifting and postprocessing algorithms for key rate and end-to-end latency using vectorization, concurrency, memory tuning, and hardware acceleration.
• Integrate software with MCU and FPGA subsystems over UART, USB, PCIe, and Ethernet while respecting real-time constraints and failure modes.
• Build mocks, simulators, automated tests, CI/CD pipelines, observability systems, operational runbooks, and performance regression tracking.
• Define service APIs and integration contracts using WebSockets, gRPC, and REST while maintaining backward compatibility and security.

Requirements

• 5+ years of Python development and 3+ years leading or co-owning service or system architecture for a hardware-first product.
• Strong Linux asynchronous Python, concurrency, profiling, and performance-tuning experience.
• Proven MCU or FPGA integration over UART, USB, PCIe, or Ethernet.
• Experience with Docker, GitHub Actions, automated testing, static analysis, artifact management, and release pipelines.
• Experience with GPU and CUDA optimization, SIMD, production observability, incident response, and relational, key-value, or time-series data stores.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; must have the right to work in Germany, and visa sponsorship is not provided.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret or EU SECRET, or equivalent national, personnel security clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience with QKD systems, cryptography, or high-rate data pipelines.
• Exposure to C/C++ for low-level interfacing and FPGA or embedded ecosystems.
• Familiarity with gRPC/Protobuf, schema and versioning strategies, and Kubernetes.

Culture & Benefits

• Work with quantum technology experts on quantum-enabled security and computing solutions.
• Flexible working arrangements and access to office spaces.
• Personal development plan with clear advancement goals.
• Competitive salary and a diverse, supportive working environment.
• Culture focused on trust, excellence, continuous improvement, innovation, and initiative.